A city at the heart of Upstate New York
Federal officers have visited residents in upstate New York over online posts criticizing ICE, warning them about potential federal offenses. The incidents underscore tensions between free expression and policing, with civil liberties groups warning of a chilling effect.
Federal prosecutors allege Catherine Washburn, of Irondequoit, led an extremist anti-Israel group and moved funds to a designated terrorist organization. She faces up to 20 years in prison as investigations unfold, with new messages showing alignment with PIJ and Hamas supporters.